Asset sealing and tracking system and method

• US 20070139197A1
• Filed: 12/15/2005
• Published: 06/21/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/15/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Motorola Solutions, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Motorola, Inc. (Motorola Solutions, Inc.)
• Inventors: Hopman, Nicholas
• Granted Patent: US 7,528,719 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/572.100
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2203/10 Transponders
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/40 Business processes related to the transportation industry shipping G06Q10/083

Abstract

A system and method of asset sealing and tracking includes a first RFID device with a first identity that is permanently affixed to a container door, and removable second RFID device with a second identity is coupled to the first RFID device—and inserted through a locking hasp of the container door. The first RFID device inherits the second identity of the second RFID device thereby automatically associating the two devices. Thereafter the first RFID device broadcasts both identities. When the second RFID device is opened, so that the container door is allowed to open, the first RFID device can sense this and change its broadcast message to include that the second RFID device was opened.

Claims

1. A system for tracking an asset comprising:

a first RFID device having a first identity affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device coupled to the first RFID device comprising a second identity, wherein the first RFID device inherits the second identity and couples the first identity with the second identity.

2. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the second RFID device has a measurable parameter, and wherein the measurable parameter is communicated to the first RFID device.

3. A system in accordance with claim 2 further comprising:

a device for communicating the coupled first and second identity, and the measurable parameter to an RFID reader.

4. A system in accordance with claim 3 wherein the device for communicating comprises a transmitter.

5. A system in accordance with claim 3 wherein the measurable parameter comprises detection of presence of the second RFID device.

6. A system in accordance with claim 5 wherein the measurable parameter comprises detection of absence of the second RFID device.

7. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the first RFID device further comprises a communication device for communicating the first and second identity to an RFID reader.[VMD2]

8. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the first RFID device comprises an active RFID device.

9. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the second RFID device comprises a passive RFID device.

10. A system for tracking an asset comprising:

a first RFID device having a first identification number, the device attachable to the asset; and

a second RFID device couple-able to the first RFID device, the second RFID device comprising a second identification number;

communication means for combining and communicating the first identification number and the second identification number to a reader.[VMD3]

11. A system in accordance with claim 10 wherein the second RFID device has a measurable parameter, and wherein the measurable parameter is communicated to the first RFID device.

12. A system in accordance with claim 11 wherein the communication means comprises a transmitter for combining[VMD4] and communicating the first identification number and the second identification number, and the measurable parameter.

13. A system in accordance with claim 12 wherein the measurable parameter comprises detection of presence of the second RFID device.

14. A system in accordance with claim 12 wherein the measurable parameter comprises detection of absence of the second RFID device.

15. A method for asset tracking comprising the steps of:

affixing a first RFID device having a first identification symbol to an asset; and

communicating a second identification symbol to the first RFID device dependent on coupling a second RFID device to the first RFID device.

16. A method in accordance with claim 15 further comprising a step of communicating the first and second identification symbols to a reader.

17. A method in accordance with claim 15 further comprising the steps of:

monitoring a state of the second RFID device; and

communicating the monitored state of the second RFID device to a reader.